SHORT & SWEET #7
Ode To A Lovely Intergenerational Friendship, My Brother's Favorite Mac & Cheese, Brooke Shields Gives Zero Effs, Hannah Shirley Is The Cutest, And Seasonal Readings
Hiya Friends,
Welcome to late November, when life moves at hyper-speed and my brain struggles to keep up. Even our analog kitchen wall clock, exhausted from all of its infernal timekeeping, crapped out a couple of days ago. Now, every time I glance at the spot where the clock used to be, I’m an unmoored ship without a captain. Sure, there are digital clocks in the kitchen, but they command no respect nor trust. Is it 1:30? Or did someone just stop the microwave mid-shift? You know what I mean?
In other news, I went to a neighbor’s party and chatted with a kindly retired French teacher who suffered through my very rudimentary and épouvantable Français. I could only remember how to speak in the present tense, which made it difficult to discuss anything that happened in my life pre-party. But the remarkable thing was, I understood a lot of what this woman said to me, mainly because she intentionally spoke trés lentement.
A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT OF INTERGENERATIONAL FRIENDSHIP
That conversation in French proved to be a well-timed refresher, because I recently came across this beautiful and poignant partially animated docu-film by Raquel Sancinetti. The film showcases the delightful intergenerational friendship between the 30-year-old filmmaker and her centenarian bestie, Madeleine. These two speak French very slowly to each other and I could follow along pretty well. Warning: If you’re prone to tears, keep some tissues nearby. This film made me misty-eyed and conjured memories of my friendship with my neighbor, Tina who passed away at 99. The link above is a gift link.
MY BIG BROTHER’S FAVORITE MAC & CHEESE
This Thursday is not only Thanksgiving, it’s my favorite/only brother, Chris’ birthday. We live on opposite ends of the country and won’t be together to celebrate, but he took me to lunch when he was in LA a couple of months ago, and we snapped the pic on the right. Chris is the menschiest mensch. He’s incredibly generous, hilarious, thoughtful, game for adventure, loves every type of food, can make conversation with anyone, will pick me up at the airport, even in the wee hours, and he’s an excellent cook.
On Thanksgiving, whether it’s his bday or not, Chris always makes a batch of my crowd-pleasing mac and cheese for his family. In honor of my bro and carb lovers everywhere, I’m sharing the recipe below. Suggestion: Put on a pair of stretchy pants before consuming.
If you end up making this dish, please report back on how it went over, and whether your pants still fit.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
And while we’re on the subject of tight pants, the quote below from 58-year-old Brooke Shields gave me a lift this week. In a previous Stack, I mentioned that Shields put out a public plea to Tom Cruise to get back on the distribution list for the $126 coconut cake he sends out at holiday time. Her love of cake is so strong, it cancels out any ill will she may feel towards Cruise for unfairly judging her when she spoke openly about her postpartum depression. I hope he answers her prayers. I love that Shields is all about enjoying life and not giving a 💩 what others think. If that’s not a Masterclass in happiness, what is?
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO HANNAH SHIRLEY
You know who else gives zero effs about her waistline? Hannah Shirley — the country’s oldest pygmy hippo. She just turned 50 and weighs 500lbs! Isn’t she just the cutest? Rescued from some dingbat’s residential backyard in 2002, Hannah Shirley moved to luxury quarters at The San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. She currently spends her days in 13,000-square-foot paddock, taking dips in her swimming pool and natural pond.
"The big celebration on Nov. 15, 2023, included presents and a cake made out of a watermelon base, papaya “frosting,” spaghetti squash, sweet grain and Purina Nicker Makers Horse Treat sprinkles," said the center in a news release.
SEASONAL READINGS:
SUDDENLY OBSESSED WITH ADVENT CALENDARS
I never gave much thought to advent calendars until I read Kayleigh Shoen’s round-up of offerings from some of the world’s best confectioners. Who knew there was so much variety? I’m totally eyeing the See’s Candy version (hint, hint.)
GET A JUMP ON THOSE HOLIDAY CARDS!
Jared, Noodle, and I already took the photo for our holiday postcard, which is very off-brand for us. Usually I’m racing to get cards in the mail before January 1. With limited space to write on a postcard, I usually keep my missives short & sweet, however, I may have to use some of Anne Welsbacher’s tips for writing a great holiday letter, outlined in the post below.
That’s a wrap. Wishing everyone a restful week. I’m thankful for your readership. If you enjoyed any of my musings, hit the ❤️ or leave a comment. I always love hearing from you. xo H2
Thanks for sharing about Brooke Shields. I love that she doesn't care about her weight as well.
Always love hearing the way you speak about the people you know!
A lovely short and sweet catch up :)